Research Technician in Molecular Biology and Genetics

Description

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Technician will apply their expertise in molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry to support advanced research initiatives in DNA repair and genome editing. They will be responsible for establishing and conducting genome editing experiments in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including base editing and prime editing, to investigate DNA repair mechanisms, replication fork restart mechanisms, and cellular responses to DNA damage. These experiments include the design, construction and validation of yeast strains, plasmids, and gRNAs. The technician will also participate in the conduction of high-throughput genetic screens with functional characterization.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Developing and implementing research activities in consultation with the principal investigator
• Improve protocols and optimize techniques related to the project
• Conduct and analyze genome editing experiments, including base and prime editing, to investigate DNA repair mechanisms, genetic interactions, and cellular responses to DNA damage
• Design, construct and validate plasmids, custom gRNAs and yeast strains
• Perform molecular biology procedures, including cloning, transformation, PCR, DNA extraction, and sequence verification
• Perform biochemical procedures including protein purification, western blot and protein interaction assays
• Participate in conducting high-throughput genetic screens in yeast and validate candidate hits
• Work collaboratively with other members of the lab and provide technical support
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records and data documentation in accordance to research standards
• Participate in regular laboratory meetings, and contribute to research planning discussions
• Assist with laboratory operations and administrative functions to ensure efficient daily workflow
• Submit samples for external analysis and coordinate with core facilities and collaborators as required
  
  

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in biological science, molecular biology or biochemistry is required
• Master of Science degree, in a related field, is an asset
• Experience working with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including strain construction, transformation, media preparation and growth assays, is an asset
• Experience with basic molecular techniques such as cloning, PCR, Gibson cloning, and sequencing analysis is required
• 3+ years of research experience in a molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry laboratory lab is an asset
• Self-starter, strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records of experiments
• Experience or willingness to work collaboratively
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and maintain compliance with institutional research guidelines
  
  

Application Deadline: November 26, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About The University Of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.